To open a coffee shop in Shanghai, you need a Business License plus a Food Operation Permit (食品经营许可证) from the Shanghai AMR; retailing only sealed drinks/beans can use the “prepackaged food retail” category, but any on‑site preparation requires the catering/beverage classification. Secure a site zoned for F&B, sign a compliant lease (with property ownership copy), and design the bar to pass inspection: washable non‑absorbent finishes, dedicated handwash sink, 2‑ or 3‑compartment sink or disinfection cabinet, backflow preventer, calibrated thermometers, pest‑proofing, separate raw/ready‑to‑eat storage, and cold storage logs; add a grease trap and fume purifier if heating oily foods, and avoid gas/open flame to simplify. Staff must complete health checks and you must appoint a trained food safety administrator. Prepare floor plan, equipment list, sanitation SOPs, pest control/waste contracts, and water source proof. Register the entity and scope (“coffee shop/beverage service/food sales”), obtain the Business License (≈3–5 working days), complete fit‑out, then apply online for the Food Operation Permit; AMR inspects in ~10 working days and issues within 5–7 if compliant. Extras: alcohol sales need scope inclusion and local filing; on‑site roasting triggers environmental odor control and registration with the Ecology and Environment Bureau. Plan 4–8 weeks end‑to‑end total for approvals.
